MATCH PREVIEW: SOLIHULL MOORS (A)

MATCH PREVIEW: SOLIHULL MOORS (A)

Chesterfield travel to Solihull Moors this weekend looking to put a stop to their 5-game winless run.

The Spireites haven’t tasted victory since a 1-0 win over Altrincham on 24 January, a run which has seen them slip to fourth place in the National League.

This weekend’s opponents were strongly tipped to be in the race for the top three this season after reaching the playoff final last June. However, Neal Ardley’s side have struggled to live up to expectations thus far, and currently occupy 12th position - four points behind 7th placed Boreham Wood. Chesterfield return to a stadium they played at twice last season - winning 3-2 in the National League before a crushing 3-1 defeat in the playoff Semi-Final condemned the Blues to another season in the fifth tier.

LAST TIME OUT

In their last fixture the Moors came from behind to rescue a point at Boreham Wood. Substitute Jamey Osbourne struck just moments after entering the pitch on 48 minutes, cancelling out Chris Bush’s first half header. Solihull withstood strong pressure from their hosts to grind out what could be an important point in the race for the top 7.

RECENT FORM

Unsurprisingly, Saturday’s opponents have the edge over the Spireites in their previous 5 fixtures.

However, that’s not saying much, with just 4 points out of 15 collected - a victory over York City adding to the previously mentioned draw, as well as defeats to Dagenham and Redbridge, Gateshead and Notts County. It’s fair to say for both sides, this game presents a chance to get back on the right track.

SQUAD WATCH

We expect striker Paul McCallum to start after he got off the mark against Aldershot in midweek. Jeff King has served his one match suspension after being sent off against Notts County. However, the impressive performances of Ryheem Sheckleford may give Paul Cook a selection headache down his right hand side. Due to the strength of the opposition in the centre of the park, we’re predicting Cook to revert to 4-1-4-1 in order to solidify the midfield area and provide cover to the back 4.

PREDICTED XI

Fitzsimons, Sheckleford, Palmer, Grimes, Horton, Jones, Banks, Akinola, Dobra, Mandeville, McCallum.

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